French writer, philosopher, publicist Julien Benda (1867–1956) entered the history of European culture mainly as the author of the book “The Betrayal of Intellectuals” (1927). In the view of J. Bend, the social function of an intellectual is to preserve the eternal spiritual values of humanity and serve as a moral guide for people, showing them an example of activity that is not subordinated to practical goals. But intellectuals, the author argues, have betrayed their purpose - not because they found themselves involved in the events of history, but because they have lost their most important attribute: impartiality. Instead of judging everything that was happening from the standpoint of universal justice, universal truth, universal human reason, they accepted the realism of the masses, imbued with “political passions” and began to kindle them in their fellow citizens. The book caused lively debate. How realistic is the image of a genuine intellectual created by the author? When does an intellectual become a “traitor”: when he “betrays” eternal values, or when he “betrays” his social group, nation, country? Is it always possible to evaluate specific actions based on abstract moral principles? What is the extent of participation of an intellectual in the political life of society?